Steven R Erickson1, Duane M Kirking. 1. University of Michigan, College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor 48109-1065, USA. serick@umich.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Asthma is a disease with physical symptoms that can impair a person's functioning to the point of interfering with school, work, and social activities. OBJECTIVE: Describe how disease (asthma) and patient characteristics affect perceived work performance and absenteeism. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, 369 adults with asthma from a managed care organization responded to a mailed questionnaire which included a perceived work performance scale (WPS) and an item assessing absenteeism. Analysis consisted of psychometric testing of the scale (internal consistency and construct validity); trend observation of influence of perceived and symptom-derived severity on WPS and absenteeism distribution; and regression analysis to examine the relationship between patient/disease characteristics and the work-related outcomes. RESULTS: The mean WPS score was 88.0 +/- 16.2 (of a possible 100), with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.79. Most respondents (84.7%) did not miss any work in the previous 4 weeks. WPS scores declined and the percentage of respondent absenteeism increased as perceived and symptom-derived severity worsened. The regression model for WPS produced an adjusted R2 of 0.32 and included the number of other illnesses, health beliefs, race, income, and perceived and symptom-derived asthma severity. The regression model for absenteeism included number of other illnesses, race, health beliefs, and symptom-derived severity. Perceived work performance and absenteeism are outcomes measures that are distinctive and complementary. CONCLUSIONS: Disease severity, race, income, and health beliefs also contribute and should be considered in health services research related to asthma.
BACKGROUND:Asthma is a disease with physical symptoms that can impair a person's functioning to the point of interfering with school, work, and social activities. OBJECTIVE: Describe how disease (asthma) and patient characteristics affect perceived work performance and absenteeism. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, 369 adults with asthma from a managed care organization responded to a mailed questionnaire which included a perceived work performance scale (WPS) and an item assessing absenteeism. Analysis consisted of psychometric testing of the scale (internal consistency and construct validity); trend observation of influence of perceived and symptom-derived severity on WPS and absenteeism distribution; and regression analysis to examine the relationship between patient/disease characteristics and the work-related outcomes. RESULTS: The mean WPS score was 88.0 +/- 16.2 (of a possible 100), with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.79. Most respondents (84.7%) did not miss any work in the previous 4 weeks. WPS scores declined and the percentage of respondent absenteeism increased as perceived and symptom-derived severity worsened. The regression model for WPS produced an adjusted R2 of 0.32 and included the number of other illnesses, health beliefs, race, income, and perceived and symptom-derived asthma severity. The regression model for absenteeism included number of other illnesses, race, health beliefs, and symptom-derived severity. Perceived work performance and absenteeism are outcomes measures that are distinctive and complementary. CONCLUSIONS: Disease severity, race, income, and health beliefs also contribute and should be considered in health services research related to asthma.
Authors: Cécile R L Boot; Jan H M M Vercoulen; Joost W J van der Gulden; Karin H Orbon; Jos M Rooijackers; Chris van Weel; Hans Th M Folgering Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2005-10-12 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Karin H Orbon; Tjard R Schermer; Joost W van der Gulden; Niels H Chavannes; Reinier P Akkermans; Onno P van Schayck; Chris van Weel; Hans T Folgering Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2005-05-13 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: C R L Boot; J W J van der Gulden; K H Orbon; J H M M Vercoulen; R Akkermans; C van Weel; H T M Folgering Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2004-04-24 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Cécile R L Boot; Monique Heijmans; Joost W J van der Gulden; Mieke Rijken Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2008-01-05 Impact factor: 3.015